Do This One Thing for Big Impact

Back in the day, the only time I wore false lashes was when I was on stage with ballet or theater performances, or competing in pageants. I just couldn't get over the label of "fake" anything. Well I did get over it, and I really believe that lashes are one of the best makeup investments you can make. They're affordable, elevate your entire look to where you practically need no other makeup, and, with a little practice, are effortless to apply.

AFFORDABLE

At just over $2 a pair, my favorite strip lashes are an incredible investment. Think about it - if you're someone who wears little or no makeup every day but you want to up your game for a special event, and you don't want to spend lots of money on a whole makeup wardrobe, lashes and a bold lip will make you look amazing for less than $10.

Pictured below are those strip lashes as well as my all-time favorite lash, the KISS clusters:

ELEVATE

Last month, I did Maggie's makeup for an Inaugural Ball. She loves a red lip and was wearing a MAJOR dress, so we focused on the lashes by doubling up. A lengthening lash topped a full-fringe lash for lots of drama:

We kept her eye makeup very simple and added dimension with just bronzer so the focus would be on her gorgeous eyes and stunning lips:

My point is that with some lipstick and great lashes, you don't have to have a ton of time, money or skill to look like a million bucks.

EFFORTLESS

I used to be so intimidated by lashes, but they're really not that scary. Here are three videos to show you how to apply your lashes, as well as customize them so they work for you:

 I hope you'll give lashes a try! As always, don't hesitate to reach out @ElectraLane on Instagram or Facebook with any questions. For a personalized makeup lesson, or just to ask all of your makeup questions, email me at Jessica@ElectraLane.com to set up an appointment (online or in-person). See you next week!

HalloWEENY

I realize that as a makeup artist I’m supposed to get jazzed about doing something exciting with makeup for Halloween, and if someone wants me to turn them into a deer (because apparently that’s the big thing this year) I would be more than happy to do so, but I just can’t.  Perhaps I’m a Hallo-wuss.  And if we went to a Halloween ball or major costume party, I feel like the transformation would be worth it.  But, for the times when we’re only catering to little gobblins begging for sugar, I like to keep it simple. Last year, I was cat woman by utilizing a mask, fantastic lashes and a red lip:

This year, my husband and I will be Zach and Kelly from Saved by the Bell, and I’m looking forward to 80’s cheerleader glam.  A simple brown lid (Cork) and cranberry gloss is all I need (except for that sweet original brick phone!).  I'll add a little tease to my bangs, throw in a few "likes" and "totally-s" into my vocabulary, and we're set.

In case you need some legit last-minute inspiration, Cara of Maskcara put together an incredible list of phenomenal Halloween looks.  Enjoy all that candy, and Happy Halloween!